Kerala set to get its first 'energy-efficient' buildings

Public works department (PWD) will construct the headquarters of registration department in Nemom and bungalow-cum-camp office of district collector in Pathanamthitta, in compliance with the ECBC rules.T C Sreemol | TNN | October 03, 2017, 14:00 IST

KOCHI: Months after the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for efficient use and conservation of energy in building complexes was notified by the Centre, the state is all set to get its first two buildings complying with the norms. The buildings will come up in Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta.

Public works department (PWD) will construct the headquarters of registration department in Nemom and bungalow-cum-camp office of district collector in Pathanamthitta, in compliance with the ECBC rules. “The department decided to construct these buildings as a pilot project. We will look into whether the new concept is cost effective or not after the construction,” said chief architect of PWD Rajeev P S.

Energy Management Centre (EMC) is implementing the ECBC code in the state under department of power. The central government launched the code in 2007 as a first step towards promoting energy efficiency in the building sector.

“The code is currently applicable to only commercial buildings. The building should be designed in such a way that the energy consumption is minimum. Discussions are going on with local self-government department to bring the buildings, for which they give permission, to adhere to the Code. We need to include the Code in the Kerala Municipal Building Rules to implement it in LSGD level,” said an official in ECBC Cell.

The Code is applicable to new buildings which have a connected load of more than 100KW or greater than 120 kVA and to buildings having air conditioned area more than 500 sqm.